Brachycera

Brachycera is a suborder of Diptera. It is a major suborder consisting of around 120 families. The most distinguishing characteristic of the suborder is reduced antenna sizes. A summary of main physiological characteristics follows:

• Reduced antenna size (with 8 or fewer flagellomeres).
• A maxillary palp (an elongated appendage near the mouth) having only 2 segments or less.
• The back portions of the larval head capsule extend into the prothorax (the anterior part of the thorax which bears the first pair of legs).
• There are two distinct parts which comprise of the larval mandible (lower jaw).
• The epandrium and hypandrium of the genitalia are separated in males.
• No premandible on the lower surface of the labrum (the roof of the mouth).
• A distinct configuration of the CuA2 and A1 wing veins.

Brachyceran flies can also be distinguished through behavior. Many of the species are predators or scavengers.

References

• Tree of Life Project (2004). The Tree of Life Web Project: Brachycera. Retrieved Dec. 29, 2004.